Friday, November 27, 2015

On Tuesday, I paid my 2nd visit to the new HEB at Hardy Oak & Wilderness Oak in San Antonio. It's the nicest HEB I've ever visited, BTW. While there, I paid my 1st visit to Oaks Crossing, HEB's restaurant inside the store. They have a diverse menu (from spaghetti bolognese to street tacos to Neapolitan-style pizzas to shrimp & grits), including a whole Texas BBQ section. They smoke their BBQ in-house, with post oak for up to 13 hours, according to the menu. I ordered a loaded baked potato with smoked chicken and a side of "chopped brisket," which, it turned out, is actually chopped brisket mixed with sauce. Just a heads up, in case you're not expecting sauce when you read "chopped brisket."

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Long ago, I asked which Texas BBQ has the best turkey. Today, on Thanksgiving, I ask a more specific question: Which Texas BBQ joint sells the best smoked turkeys for the holidays? I know of quite a number of joints that sell smoked whole turkeys or smoked turkey breasts, and I'm sure you do, too. Who does it best? (P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!)

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

144. Hoodoo Brown BBQ (Ridgefield, Connecticut) - "A bank robber, cattle herder, Justice of the Peace, moonshiner and cook, Hoodoo Brown epitomized life in the Wild West. We celebrate Hoodoo Brown's spirit and authenticity by cooking the best Texas barbecue on the planet...or at least right here in Ridgefield. Owner Cody Sperry was inspired several years ago on a "guys trip" to Austin, Texas. There they traveled to over a dozen barbecue joints, with owner's generously sharing their stories, secrets and passion for creating true Texas barbecue. He returned to Ridgefield with a new outlook and desire to replicate what he experienced in Texas. He started his apprenticeship on a Big Green Egg smoker and eventually opened a barbecue catering business. Through the encouragement of his customers, friends and family, he decided to open Hoodoo Brown BBQ. He met his Pitmaster, Nestor Laracuente, highly regarded as one of the best pitmasters on the East Coast, on social media and now they cook your barbecue low and slow, for up to 16 hours over aged hardwood on a custom Lang Smoker."

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

This weekend's college Gameday Giveaway is a post-Thanksgiving battle of Big XII teams: Baylor at TCU (Friday, 6:30 PM Central). To be counted, your prediction must include the winner, final score, & total yards (total yards is in case of a tie) and must be submitted by kickoff. This week's prize? A holiday treat from Riscky's Barbeque (Fort Worth, TX): Winner gets to choose a smoked turkey breast or a whole smoked ham! You can enter your prediction via comment below this post, via email, or via Twitter or Facebook.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

This weekend's college Gameday Giveaway is a another primetime battle of Big XII teams: Baylor at Oklahoma State (Saturday, 6:30 PM Central). To be counted, your prediction must include the winner, final score, & total yards (total yards is in case of a tie) and must be submitted by kickoff. This week's prize? A Pitmaster Plate from Boatman's BBQ (Tolar, TX)! What's on a Pitmaster Plate? Brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, & 2 sides! You can enter your prediction via comment below this post, via email, or via Twitter or Facebook.

Friday, November 13, 2015

November 12, 2015 (Dallas, TX) – Grab some wet wipes and prepare for finger-licking goodness! Lakewood Smokehouse will open mid-December at 1901 Abrams Rd, Dallas, TX 75214 in the space recently left vacant by Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill. Bringing Lakewood this new BBQ concept are Partners/Owner Operators, Jason Hall (who owns 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House in Frisco), John Pantenburg, and Mike Mullen who have been friends and co-workers in the restaurant industry for 20 years. Lakewood Smokehouse plans to serve classic BBQ offerings such as brisket, smoked turkey and sausages with an array of sides like macaroni and cheese, fried okra, green beans and potato salad. Patrons to Lakewood Smokehouse can expect the same quality and delicious BBQ that has made 3 Stacks a household name in Frisco, with a few exciting additions. Unlike the casual line-service most BBQ establishments employ, Lakewood Smokehouse will be a full-service restaurant.

“We are thrilled to bring the Lakewood community a modern twist on the classic barbecue dining experience,” said owner Jason Hall. “Our team was drawn to the sense of community that makes Lakewood special and we can’t wait become a part of the fabric of the neighborhood.”Lakewood Smokehouse will use local purveyors from bread to produce; such as Rudolph’s Market for their sausages and Empire Bakery for breads. Guests will enjoy an amazing bar offering a happy hour - with 20 local Texas breweries on tap - that will draw the locals in for the sporting event of the day or to enjoy an IPA with friends. Seasonal specials will keep diners happy with unique offerings in addition to the regular menu. Lakewood Smokehouse will be located at 1901 Abrams Rd, Dallas, TX 75214. 972-677-7906.

I recently learned that a San Antonio BBQ trailer is preparing to set up shop in Old Town Helotes, TX, at 14436 Old Bandera Rd. Tentative opening for B-Daddy's BBQ is January 5. Will be open Tuesday-Sunday, starting at 11 AM for lunch and dinner. They will have beer and wine, with live music on the weekends. Stay update via their Twitter page.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

A break from BBQ to thank all of our veterans, on this Veterans Day. Thank you for your service. Thank you for being selfless and sacrificing. Thank you for protecting us. Thinking of all of you today and hoping you are being treated with the dignity you deserve.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

This weekend's college Gameday Giveaway is a primetime battle of Big XII teams: Oklahoma at Baylor (Saturday, 7 PM Central). To be counted, your prediction must include the winner, final score, & total yards (total yards is in case of a tie) and must be submitted by kickoff. This week's prize? A 2-meat combo & a pound of pulled pork from Smith Spot BBQ (Denison, TX)! You can enter your prediction via comment below this post, via email, or via Twitter or Facebook.

Monday, November 9, 2015

A recent stop at Doc's BBQ (Crockett, TX). Got a sandwich (half sliced brisket, half turkey) to go. Took the sandwich pics in the car, and the picture quality leaves something to be desired. Even so...

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Waiting for my flight from Birmingham back to Texas, I paid a visit to the airport location of Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q and ordered Spicy Pork Hot Link, served with BBQ sauce, crackers, serrano peppers, and pimento cheese. As always, the cheese biscuits were complimentary.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Just want to let you know of an upcoming BBQ event in San Antonio. The email I received:

The menu for Brats, Brisket, Brews & Blues has been set! Get ready for some good ole' down home Texas barbecue with a German kick. Come out and try all of the below on November 14th from 6-10 PM at Gustav's Garten @ Magnolia Huebner. Don't forget if you bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Family Service Association of San Antonio you'll get a free Haus pretzel. We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

This weekend's college Gameday Giveaway is a battle of unbeaten Big XII teams: TCU at Oklahoma State (Saturday, 2:30 PM Central). To be counted, your prediction must include the winner, final score, & total yards (total yards is in case of a tie) and must be submitted by kickoff. This week's prize? A $25 gift certificate from SLAB BBQ (Austin, TX)! You can enter your prediction via comment below this post, via email, or via Twitter or Facebook.